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I really like: - Code Complete by Steve McConnell - The Effective Engineer by Edmond Lau - The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
by henrik_w 9y ago
I really like:
- Code Complete by Steve McConnell
- The Effective Engineer by Edmond Lau
- The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
- stinos 9y agoSecond the Pragmatic Programmer, however: I read it when I just started programming (like not much more experienced than basic hello world and some fiddling) and, looking back, didn't really get it. I mean, I got the principles, but couldn't apply it as there was just not enough experience for the higher level abstract stuff. I recently read it again and it makes complete sense now, but I ddn't learn much new from it. So I'd suggest that if you read it, do so after a couple of years of programming.
- danielbarla 9y agoIndeed, the Pragmatic Programmer book's subtitle is "from Journeyman to Master", and that's exactly what journeyman is supposed to mean - someone who's a few years into it, not bad, but not great (yet?).
- rusanu 9y agoI second Code Complete
- pier25 9y agoI third it
- mytec 9y agoYes to Code Complete. I read the first edition at a time I wasn't sure if I'd pursue a career in computer programming. I hadn't used a computer for nearly a month making that decision. After reading and re-reading that book during that time, I pursued programming with a passion. That book struck all the right chords with me.
- patrick_99 9y agoI read the second edition of Code Complete when I started my first job. Very good book to transition from fresh grad to professional. It has some very dry sections (eg. a chapter on how to name variables) but these are the little things that make a big difference and allows you to 'level up' as an engineer.
- H_Romeu_Pinto 9y ago> - Code Complete by Steve McConnell It has good parts. But it has some very bad parts too, when it reinforces myths that, IMO, are very wrong (e.g.: cone of uncertainty, X times better programmer, etc). I'd recommend to read it with care. > - The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas After many years I still read parts of it, again and again. And I still like it.
- wenc 9y agoI really liked The Effective Engineer because it had more systems thinking behind rather just how to manage a code project. It covers some really foundational concepts like idempotency which programmers don't often think about when architecting systems.
- vram22 9y agoI agree with your 1st and 3rd titles. Both are really fundamental and highly recommended. Will check out the 2nd one.